Lacombe

A top federal official said fixing the payroll problems caused by Phoenix cost taxpayers more than $5 billion — and they'll keep paying extra to run two public service payroll platforms at once as Ottawa weans itself off the problem-plagued system.

Alex Benay, associate deputy minister at Public Services and Procurement Canada, said the alternative to running the Phoenix system in tandem with its replacement, Dayforce, would have been worse.

"The unfortunate situation is there's no easy path," he said. "This is the one that's going to impact employees the least."

A survivor of a rockfall last week in Banff National Park is remembering his 33-year-old roommate, who didn't make it out alive from under the rubble, as a kind and generous friend.

Khaled Elgamal says Hamza Benhilal of Surrey, B.C., was one of two people who died after a slab of mountain gave way Thursday, raining rock down on hikers at Bow Glacier Falls, about 200 kilometres northwest of Calgary.

Protein Industries Canada says a new soybean breeding program will open new opportunities for producers and processors.

The new $4.3 million initiative for Canada's identity-preserved non-GMO soybean is being led by NRGene Canada, Pulse Genetics, Hensall Co-op, and Yumasoy Foods Ltd. 

The project, involves the launch of a new breeding program to develop early-maturing, high-protein, non-GMO soybean varieties suited to Canada’s northern climates, including Manitoba and northern Ontario.

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has held Edmonton-Strathcona for the New Democrats in one of three provincial byelections.

Related Stories:

• Alberta NDP Leader Nenshi fighting for seat in one of three byelections

Unofficial results from Elections Alberta put him well ahead of the nearest competitor, United Conservative Party candidate Darby Crouch.

Voters cast their ballots Monday in three Alberta ridings: Edmonton-Ellerslie, Edmonton-Strathcona, and Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills.

We are tracking results in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills and will post updates throughout the evening.

Four candidates are running in the riding: Cameron Davies (Republican Party of Alberta), Tara Sawyer (United Conservative Party), Beverley Toews (Alberta NDP), and Bill Tufts (Wildrose Loyalty Coalition).

Rebels trade Steven Steranka to Moose Jaw for draft pick.

Red Deer Rebels owner, president and general manager Brent Sutter announced Friday (June 20) the club has completed a trade with the Moose Jaw Warriors.

The Rebels have sent forward Steven Steranka to the Warriors in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft.

Steranka, a native of Regina, Sask., was selected by Red Deer in the seventh round (148th overall) of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft.

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is looking to finally win a seat in the legislature after a year of sitting on the sidelines.

Related Stories:

• Alberta NDP Leader Nenshi wins seat in one of three byelections

École Our Lady of the Rosary School has announced that Grade 2 French Immersion Teacher Kaela Masikewich has been awarded the prestigious Alberta French Educator of the Year Award. The award was presented to Ms. Masikewich in front of her students and colleagues at the conclusion of the school's Christian Leadership Awards ceremony on June 17.

Canada's supply managed sector is breathing a sigh of relief with the passage of Bill C-202 which protects it from any further concessions in future trade talks.

An identical bill died on the order paper in the last session but this time moved quickly through Parliament and the Senate, before receiving Royal Assent last week.

The Dairy Farmers of Canada, Chicken Farmers of Canada, Egg Farmers of Canada, Turkey Farmers of Canada, and the Canadian Hatching Egg Producers issued a joint statement supporting the legislation. 

With Lacombe Days coming up from July 11 to 13, it can be difficult to determine which events to attend. Here are just a few of the awesome events that will be happening that weekend. 

Friday, July 11

🔍 Lacombe Scavenger Hunt – 11 a.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Sunday
Explore the city and answer questions in the scavenger hunt package. Completed sheets can be returned to the Mary C. Moore Public Library by Sunday closing to be entered to win one of three grand prizes.

• Scavenger hunt packages are available at the library